Defense Support of Civil Authorities

Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) is a total force effort by all federal military forces -- to include DOD civilians, contract personnel and reserve component forces and assets. This effort is in response to domestic emergencies, to include homeland defense, homeland security, terrorist attack, natural and man-made disasters and other events.

The 2018 National Defense Strategy codifies DSCA as a primary mission of the Department of Defense. Federal Law (Titles 10 and 32 USC) creates distinct mechanisms for local and State authorities to call upon Army Reserve forces or resources.

What has the Army done/is doing?

Army Reserve forces and capabilities can be packaged with appropriate command and staff structure to facilitate assistance to civil authorities, and can be deployed immediately. Under Immediate Response Authority, the Army Reserve can also directly respond to requests from civil authorities when time does not permit approval from a higher authority.

Army Reserve capabilities support many vital domestic emergency and disaster response efforts, including medium and heavy lift helicopters for medical evacuation or search and rescue. Other support includes ground ambulance, combat support hospitals and specialized medical teams. Additionally, full-spectrum engineering support includes horizontal and vertical construction and portable bridges. Other important support functions are logistics, quartermaster, communications, security and mission command capabilities. Army Reserve provides all emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers for the Army.

During the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season, 2,253 Army Reserve Soldiers mobilized from 40 units conducted response operations while working with Army active component, Army National Guard, and other services in the Total Force. In 2018, U.S. Army Reserve Command worked closely with Army Forces Command to provide any required assets to support National Guard or Army relief efforts.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned?

The Army Reserve stands ready to provide emergency support for DSCA operations with all of its forces and capabilities. The Army Reserve is also fully integrated into the standing Department of Defense task force postured to respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) events.

Why is this important to the Army?

Providing timely and appropriate response to an incident remains one of the Army's key operational concepts. When disaster strikes, early access to the right response capabilities is extremely crucial. Army Reserve's Defense Support of Civil Authorities enhances overall mission readiness.

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